Scotland v Portugal: Prediction, Tips and Odds

It's week three of the autumn internationals and Saturday's action begins with a clash between Scotland and Portugal at Murrayfield.

The Scots thumped Fiji 57-17 before being defeated 32-15 by South Africa, who were not at their best but still managed to run in four tries against Gregor Townsend's side.

Townsend has made 14 changes to the side that lost to the Springboks, with Darcy Graham returning following a concussion he suffered in the win over Fiji, and this rejigged XV may struggle to flow early on.

Portugal are an improving side and are ranked 15th in the world, although they warmed up for this trip with a 21-17 defeat to the USA, who have climbed just one place behind them in the rankings.

Scotland v Portugal betting tips and predictions

Portugal +17 Handicap 1st Half - 10/11

Saturday's contest marks the first time Portugal have featured in the Autumn Nations series and that is testament to the progression they have made over the last few years.

Although failing to get out of their pool at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Os Lobos managed to pick up four points, drawing 18-18 against Georgia and securing a brilliant 24-23 victory over Fiji.

Portugal, now coached by former All Black Simon Mannix, defeated Namibia 37-22 in July before then suffering a 64-21 loss to reigning world champions South Africa.

That was a learning curve for Mannix's side and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a Scotland team that have omitted a number of their star players for this encounter, including Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe.

While Scotland are expected to record a comfortable win at Murrayfield, Portugal are capable of giving a good account of themselves in the opening 40 minutes and a +17 handicap for the visitors is worth taking on in the first half.

Portugal have covered this bet in 11 of their last 13 fixtures, which includes games against Fiji, Georgia and Wales at last year's World Cup, while they were just one point from it coming in at the break against Australia in that tournament.

Scotland have been leading by 17 points or more at half-time in just one of their last four matches and they may have to wait until the second period to pull away on home soil.

Scotland -34 Handicap - 10/11

Although Portugal can give as good as they get in the first half, they are unlikely to be able to keep that going for the entire match and Scotland's greater strength in depth can see them win this comfortably.

While resting some key players, the Scots still have plenty of quality in their ranks with the likes of Darcy Graham and Arron Reed looking to cause havoc down the wings.

Graham produced a sensational four-try performance in the win over Fiji and his absence for the South Africa defeat due to concussion was hard felt by his side.

Adam Hastings also returns to fly-half for this contest, having dropped out for Russell last time out, and he can use his experience and quality to carve out openings for the hosts.

Scotland proved in that 57-17 Fiji victory that they have the ability to score big and although they are weakened from that game, they go up against an inferior opponent and their quality should eventually shine through.

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Scotland v Portugal odds

Scotland - 1/500
Draw - 50/1
Portugal - 33/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.